Employers, employees feeling the strain of pandemic stress
One in four American workers has considered a job or career change because of the pandemic.
One in four American workers has considered a job or career change because of the pandemic, according to the latest Mental Health Index from Morneau Shepell.
The mental health of Americans was significantly lower than before the pandemic for the eighth consecutive month. “The level of mental health in November remains concerning, as it indicates that the working population is currently as distressed as the most distressed 9% of working Americans prior to 2020,” the survey report said.
Related: 2020 and the impact on employee mental health
Survey results have several implications for employers:
- The pandemic has caused increased strain on workplaces and employees. It has compelled many employers to reconsider how they conduct their business, not only with clients but also with their employees. An equal number of respondents (15%) report more positive and more negative views of their employers than before the pandemic.
- Workplace health and safety have risen to primary importance. Seventy-two percent of respondents believe their employers are handling health and safety well. Respondents from lower-income households are less likely to report that employers are handling the health and safety risks of the pandemic well than those in higher-income households.
- One of the many consequences of the pandemic is the closing or reduction of in-person workplaces. With a dispersed and remote workforce, employers rely on technology to ensure business continuity and connectedness. Sixty-eight percent of respondents report that their employers are handing the use of technology well, while 7% report that their employers are doing so poorly.
- Some employers were forced to reduce salaries or hours, or lay off employees. Forty-two percent of respondents report that their employers are handling reductions to employee pay and hours well, while 11% say their employers are handling this issue poorly.
- Business models have been modified to respond to changes in demand and to adhere to health and safety protocols. Sixty-two percent of respondents report that their employer is handling changes to the way in which business is conducted well, while 9% report say their employer is handling changes to the way business is doing so poorly.
- The need for flexibility is critical. Employees need time for self-care, to attend to children or other family members, and to address their daily tasks in a fluid and sometimes complex environment. Sixty percent of respondents report that their employers are handling flexible work hours well, while 10% indicate that their employer is handling this issue poorly.
- Work from home has been driven by the pandemic. Fifty-five percent of respondents report that their employers are handling work from home policies well, while 8% indicate that their employers are handling work from home poorly.
- Many employers are reminding employees of the support and resources available to them to maintain or improve their well-being. Fifty-three percent of respondents report that their employers are handling the promotion of resources well.
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